Home prices to be discussed in Parliament on Monday

Record housing prices, the productivity drive and separation between church and state are among the top issues that will be raised by MPs when Parliament sits on Monday. -- ST PHOTO: CAROLINE CHIA

By Phua Mei Pin

Record housing prices, the productivity drive and separation between church and state are among the top issues that will be raised by MPs when Parliament sits on Monday.

MPs have tabled questions on these hot topics, along with others on the haze, monetary policy and the impact of MRT construction on nearby homes. But what is also likely to be closely watched is the introduction and debate of several Bills.

A long-awaited Bill that will protect personal data and restrict telemarketers' activities is up for a second reading. Landmark changes to the laws pertaining to the mandatory death penalty are also being introduced.

The Personal Data Protection Bill was slated to be introduced earlier this year but was held back until last month for several rounds of public consultation. If passed, it will restrict how organisations can collect, disclose and use personal data, and allow people to opt out of unsolicited calls and text messages through a do-not-call registry.

Background story

Pointing to the Housing Board Resale Price Index hitting a record high in the third quarter of this year, Mr Zaqy Mohamad (Chua Chu Kang GRC) said housing prices remain a significant concern despite several rounds of cooling measures by the Government.